Abstract

Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that deals with concepts of right and wrong conduct. It is also a set of principles of conduct governing and individual or a group (professional ethics). This paper presents ethical values underpinning the radiation protection systems. The paper that is based on the ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection) publication Annals of the ICRP. Ethical Foundations of the System of Radiological Protection published 2016 on-line as a Draft for consultation.
The modern system of radiation protection is based on three pillars (according to ICRP): scientific knowledge that help us understand how radiation effects people and the environment, ethical values that guide decisions about protection, and experience that teaches us what is practical in implementation. The simple principle do not harm from early days of radiation application developed to ethical theories that include not only humans but also the whole ecosystem.
Over past two decades both ICRP and IRPA have dedicated a significant effort to define ethical values (beneficence/non-maleficence, prudence, justice, dignity) underpinning the basic principles of the system of radiological protection (justification, optimization and dose limitation).
IRPA Code of Ethics was adopted in 2004. It contains principles that should be regarded as guidelines to the members of IRPA and its associated societies in maintaining a professional level of ethical conduct related to radiation protection.
ICRP Code of Ethics (approved in 2014) comprises expectations from its members in the development of recommendations and guidance: commitment to public benefit, by acting to protect humans and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, independence in actions while being impartial, transparent and accountable.
A clear understanding of ethical values and related radiation protection principles can help individuals and societies to address issues emerging in decision-making.

Item Type:

Conference or workshop item published in conference proceedings
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